Since the company was founded and the famous “No. 14” chair was developed in 1859, the furniture manufacturer Gebrüder Thonet Vienna has remained true to its tradition. Numerous new designs have taken up the groundbreaking design elements of that original and translated them thoughtfully into a contemporary context by invoking minimalist designs that are reduced to a few structural components. The design of Beaulieu also stands in this tradition. Inspired by the company’s fundamental design elements, designer Philippe Nigro has created a chair that features the striking lines of curved beech wood and surprises with a pragmatic approach to construction. Beaulieu offers a curved back and armrest, which are assembled here almost like in a construction set to form an armchair or chair. The chair’s exceptionally curved backrest is deliberately altered in the armchair. The curvature of the back legs changes direction at the top and is intersected harmoniously with the backrest to form the two armrests. The curves of the wood ensure a high level of seating comfort in both versions. If required, the seat can be upholstered.
评审团评语
Beaulieu has a visually appealing design language that skilfully refers to the traditional stylistic elements used by the company. Particularly, the concept surprises with an imaginative design approach that enables the efficient production of two pieces of comfortable seating furniture – a chair and an armchair.
